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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Varane left Man Utd for Como</li><li>Announced sudden retirement</li><li>Has taken up board role at Serie A side</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

'New beginning' - Ex-Man Utd star Raphael Varane makes surprise career move to become board member of top-flight football club

<p>The 31-year-old <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/raphael-varane-confirms-man-utd-exit-video-reveals-what-he-thinks-about-sir-jim-ratcliffe-ineos-disastrous-2023-24-season/blt754aaa235558d94e" target="_blank">bid farewell to United</a> at the end of last season, before <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/raphael-varane-completes-como-move-joins-cesc-fabregas-side-free-transfer-man-utd-exit/blta1afea07198a8d55#cs19934ef861614757" target="_blank">joining Serie A new boys Como</a> on a two-year deal in late July. However, the former Real Madrid star announced his <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/ex-man-utd-star-raphael-varane-to-announce-retirement-football-injury-hell-como/blt2d4e885ba03d99af#cs6c72693ef76b3c5e" target="_blank">sudden retirement from football</a> last month following a troublesome knee injury. Now, the Italian team have confirmed the Frenchman will become a club board member, advising on youth development, education, and product innovation - something he described as a "new beginning".</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Varane, who played just once for Como, told the <a href="https://comofootball.com/en/raphael-varane-joins-como-1907-as-board-member/" target="_blank">club's website</a>: “Being a top-level sportsman comes with joy, sacrifice, and the constant drive to push beyond limits. Throughout my career, I’ve been motivated by a desire to improve and strive for excellence. Transitioning from the field to the boardroom isn’t the end of my football journey; it’s a new beginning that I’m looking forward to. Joining the board of Como allows me to continue contributing to the sport while shaping its future.”</p>

WHAT RAPHAEL VARANE SAID

<p>The former France international enjoyed a glittering career, winning a World Cup with France in 2018, a host of Champions League titles with Real Madrid, and a number of other trophies along the way. Unfortunately for him, his career was cut short but now he can look forward to a new chapter in his life. Sometimes footballers struggle to deal with retirement so finding a role so soon after hanging up his boots can be seen as a big positive.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Varane may be in the stands at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia for Como's Serie A clash at home to Parma on Saturday. Cesc Fabregas' side, who got promoted out of Serie B last season, currently sit 14th in the division with eight points from seven games. </p>

WHAT NEXT?

'New beginning' - Ex-Man Utd star Raphael Varane makes surprise career move to become board member of top-flight football club | Goal.com

Former Manchester United defender Raphael Varane has made a surprise career move after his shock retirement from football.

&apos;New beginning&apos; - Ex-Man Utd star Raphael Varane makes surprise career move to become board member of top-flight football club